Comcast's cable revenue grew 5.4% to $11 billion from $10.5 billion, and it added 203,000 broadband customers. And the exodus of cord cutters slowed, with a decline in the quarter of 144,000 video customers, the second-best result in six years.

Overall, Comcast has 26.8 million customers after losing 25,000 during the second quarter — an improvement of 62%, compared with 66,000 lost during the second quarter of 2013. However, the company increased its number of triple-play customers — those who have cable TV, Internet and phone service — to 36% of its customer base, up from 34% last year. Overall, Comcast has 9.7 million triple-play customers.

Customers' average monthly bills rose nearly 4.5% to $137.24 from $131.35 in the second quarter last year.

"This is an important time as we seek approval for our Time Warner Cable acquisition," said Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts in a conference call after earnings were announced. He referenced the company's proposed $45 billion deal to merge the competing cable company with its current system. The Federal Communications Commission began its 180-day review of the deal on July 10, company officials said.

"There are several bright spots across the company," Roberts said. "Despite lots of opportunities for distractions," he said that Comcast remained "focused on operational excellence."

Comcast does have strong momentum during what is typically a soft time of year, said research analyst Jessica Reif Cohen of Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

She reiterated a "buy" rating in a research note issued in advance of earnings on the "high likelihood" that Comcast's acquisition of Time Warner Cable would receive federal approval. Comcast, she said, has a "clear focus on operations; a commitment to innovation ... and a content division that is a significant driver to earnings."